Davido to headline AFCON 2025 kick-off concert in Morocco

Nigerian music star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, will headline the kick-off concert for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Rabat, Morocco.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed that Davido will share the stage with international artists, including hip-hop superstar French Montana, Moroccan singer Douaa Lahyaoui, French-Moroccan hitmaker Lartiste, and emerging star Says'z.

The pre-tournament concert is scheduled for Saturday, 20 December, at Rabat’s Olm Souissi Fan Zone, running from 6:00 p.m. to midnight local time. It precedes the opening match between hosts Morocco and Comoros at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

CAF highlighted the performances as part of a broader cultural celebration accompanying AFCON 2025, which will run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026 under the theme ‘TotalEnergies AFCON 2025’.

“It’s all about the rhythm. And it starts long before kickoff. The Official #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 Kick-Off Concert is set with French Montana, Davido, Douaa Lahyaoui, Says'z, and Lartiste,” CAF said in a statement on social media.

In addition to entertainment, CAF is promoting cultural representation among participating nations, encouraging players to showcase traditional attire during the tournament.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles, three-time AFCON champions in 1980, 1994, and 2013, will be among the teams competing. Having finished as runners-up at AFCON 2023, the Super Eagles are considered one of the tournament’s most experienced and closely watched sides.

The kick-off concert is expected to blend music, culture, and football excitement, setting the stage for Africa’s premier international competition.